Ahead of the discussion this coming week in Brussels, at the Council of Ministers and the European Council, of Serbia’s candidacy for EU membership, Greece reiterates and underscores once again its ardent support of Serbia’s candidacy and recognition as a candidate for accession to the EU. At the same time, Greece expresses its satisfaction at the fact that more and more member states are coming into line with this view.
Foreign Minister Stavros Dimas had a series of contacts in recent days with his European counterparts and EU officials in order to promote Serbia’s being given candidate country status at the next European Council.
There is no doubt that Serbia has already carried out major reforms at home in order to meet the European Union’s political criteria.
At the same time, Serbia’s constructive cooperation with the ICTY and the development of the dialogue with Pristina indicate that the country is a factor for promoting peace and cooperation in the Balkans.
Greece has genuine feelings of friendship for the Serbian people, whom it considers intrinsic members of the European family, and we believe firmly in Serbia’s European perspective. Greece has played a leading role in promoting the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans in general, and will continue to work actively in this direction ahead of its 2014 EU Presidency.
February 24, 2012